DIRECTIONS:  PLEASE READ THIS FIRST

This year at the direction of SMC, FTA shifted to a new platform for submitting awards. This format is utilized by several national trucking entities and should provide a more user-friendly experience for entry submission and judging.

Benefits include:

• Option to save your progress and return later
• Automatically applying responses in multiple areas, reducing time spent on submissions.
• Easy upload capabilities
• A PDF is still available to download, with important fact sheets. But all award submissions must be electronically submitted through jotform.

What has changed:

• Timelines for awards are shifted (due before midnight on March 13!)
• Only online applications will be accepted (no mailed in or handwritten forms)
• You can save your work (and return to it later!)

Tips:

• The ‘save’ button is at the bottom, you will need to scroll all the way down to find it.
• If you cannot log-in (some computer security systems delay receipt of emails from JotForm) you can copy the link to finish later, without logging in.
• Do not select ‘submit’ until you’ve uploaded all required/supplemental documents

The objective of this program is to advance the standards of excellence for truck fleet safety professionals. Recognition for those accomplishments will be recognized by Florida Trucking Association and FTA Safety Management Council.

Entries must be received through the online application by Friday March 13, 2026.

Company/Nominee Eligibility:

• Entries must be from a Florida Trucking Association member company in good standing with an active terminal in the state during the competition period.
• Nominees must be individuals responsible for safety in their FTA member company who have the authority to develop and implement policies and programs related to loss prevention, safety awareness, and compliance.
• Nominees must agree to full disclosure of qualifications and background, including providing information to FTA/SMC Selection Committee.
• Please note: Special consideration is given to those applicants who actively participate in FTA Safety Management Council activities and events, such as TDC volunteering, SMC Executive Committee, driver appreciation events, vehicle inspections, etc.

Judging:

Tier 1: Entries will be reviewed by a Selection Committee composed of former Safety Professional winners. The Selection Committee shall keep such information confidential. Semifinalists will be invited for a virtual interview. 

Tier 2: Finalists will be adjudicated by an independent, third-party panel to select the recipient of the award.

Please note: The nominee's activities in leadership and participation in FTA's Safety Programs will also be reviewed by the adjudicators to determine the candidate's accomplishments in these areas.

Award Terms:

The Distinguished Safety Professional Award is not necessarily awarded annually and is presented at the Selection Committee and independent panel's discretion. Award recipients are ineligible to win again within a five-year period. Candidates who are not selected may update and resubmit their applications in subsequent years.

Requirements:

Nominee must upload documents that include:

1. Career résumé
2. Letter of introduction: Nominee is to include a letter to the Selection Committee summarizing the Nominee's career and contribution to safety. Maximum 500 words. (PDF/Word)
3. Accomplishments and contributions related to safety.  (Eg. certificates, training examples)
4. The work product content is to be supported by documents; photos, charts and/or graphics which demonstrate the Nominee's ability to develop and implement safety initiatives which improved safety performance and awareness.
   Nominee's involvement in industry associations, safety councils, community service are to be included. Supporting documents should be included.
5. Nominee's career training and accredited professional certifications.

If Applicable: Copy of your DD214 (Military Discharge Form)

The individual named above is hereby nominated for DISTINGUISHED FTA SAFETY PROFESSIONAL AWARD. The undersigned attest that the nominee directs a truck fleet safety activity and is responsible for the inauguration and administration of the fleet safety program. He/she is of good moral character and has devoted his/her career to highway and industrial safety.

We further attest that all statements supporting this nomination are true. We understand and agree that FTA, the FTA/ SMC Selection Committee, and independent panel may review this nominee's records, background information, and accomplishments. This review shall be made only to substantiate the nomination. All adjudicators involved will keep the information confidential.

It is agreed that if selected for the award, the nominee will attend the presentation ceremonies. The recipient will be notified of the presentation date in advance by Florida Trucking Association, Inc.